Address: 117 Legislative Modular Building * PO Box 40408 * Olympia, WA 98504

Olympia Office: (360) 786-7614 * Toll Free Hotline: (800) 562-6000 * E-mail: Matt.Boehnke@leg.wa.gov

Oct. 31, 2024

Committed to expanding broadband access for all

I was honored to speak at the Washington Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisers (WATOA) annual conference in Kennewick, Washington in mid-October. WATOA is a professional organization dedicated to serving citizens through developing, regulating, and administrating cable television and telecommunications systems.

The organization aims to share vital information on cable and telecommunications issues impacting local governments, enhance the administration of cable TV franchises, provide technical assistance to members, foster open discussions on telecommunications policies, and collaborate with other professional organizations to improve public services. WATOA members are deeply engaged in shaping the state and federal telecommunications policy, making my invitation to speak particularly meaningful.

In my speech, I addressed the historical impacts of broadband funding, environmental considerations, the urgent need to bridge the digital divide, and the importance of digital equity. I also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships and outlined my preparations for the upcoming 2025 session.

During the 2023 session, Senators Torres, Dozier, King, and I sponsored SB 5577, a crucial piece of legislation that unfortunately did not receive the attention it deserved. We plan to reintroduce it in 2024, as it represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prepare Washington for significant federal broadband investments.

I am committed to reintroducing SB 5577, viewing this effort as a legislative initiative and a promise to my constituents. Regardless of their background or location, every resident deserves to thrive in a connected and safe world. It’s also important we upgrade our emergency 911 response in the Benton and Franklin counties.

Together, we can transform our communities, empower our citizens, and build a stronger, more resilient Washington State. I believe that through collaboration, we can achieve these goals in the 2025 session.

Connecting with families

As your state lawmaker, October has been a meaningful month dedicated to connecting with constituents and key community stakeholders, particularly those providing services and support for children with disabilities.

On October 21, I participated in the Voices for Disability Advocacy Service Providers Tour, including a Spectrum Studios visit. This organization is committed to offering employment, on-the-job training, and growth opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum. Witnessing the incredible work and meeting some of the young people at Spectrum was genuinely inspiring.

The day continued with a tour of the Goodwill facility in Kennewick and visits to the Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA) and the Children’s Development Center. The CAA champions empowerment and inclusivity, supporting individuals with unique abilities and life challenges. Meeting the dedicated staff and youth who benefit from their essential work was a pleasure.

At the Children’s Development Center, I learned how they empower families by preparing infants and toddlers with special needs through early intervention services, education, and therapeutic support. My tour included visits to various classrooms and interactions with staff committed to this vital mission.

As the lead Republican on the Senate Human Services Committee, these experiences deepened my understanding of the needs of our disabled youth, which will inform better legislation and oversight during the 2025 session.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who hosted us and guided us through their facilities. It was a genuine pleasure to be part of this journey.

DCYF Secretary declines reappointment

Earlier this month, Secretary Ross Hunter of the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) announced that he will not seek reappointment after seven years in leadership.

This decision comes at a critical time, as his tenure has been marked by misalignments and missteps in the state’s child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation efforts.

Notably, a few years ago, Secretary Hunter directed his agency to cease accepting child abandonment referrals from hospitals. This move strained the medical system, hindering the ability to discharge youth in psychiatric crises to more appropriate care settings.

In July, he faced backlash for suspending new admissions at two overcrowded juvenile detention centers, including Green Hill School in Chehalis. This decision arose amidst high demand and rising violence against staff. Ultimately, he reversed this suspension due to a court order.

As we look toward new leadership, there lies an opportunity to refocus on the safety of our children and the well-being of the workforce within the child welfare system and juvenile rehabilitation.

Moving forward, it is essential to implement strategic planning that safeguards our youth and strengthens DCYF, ensuring that past mistakes are not repeated. The appointment of a new secretary presents a valuable chance to reflect on the lessons learned over the past seven years and to foster a brighter future for the department.

Engaging with workforce leaders in Benton Franklin

Wrapping up a busy October, I attended the Benton Franklin Workforce Legislative Board Council for the 8th and 15th legislative districts. Our meeting took place at the WorkSource Columbia Basin facility, where we gained valuable insights into the crucial role of the Local Workforce Board, as well as an overview of the Economic Security for All (EcSA) and the Career Resource Fund (CRF).

Washington’s Economic Security for All (EcSA) program aims to reduce poverty by helping low-income families access essential benefits and services. The CRF encompasses initiatives like the EcSA Career Accelerator Incentives Fund and the EcSA Business Support and Subsidized Training Fund, designed to address the racial, economic, and social disparities that have emerged from the War on Drugs.

Throughout the day, we discussed the pressing workforce needs of employers and heard inspiring success stories from program participants. Our visit concluded at Taxes D & Notary, LLC, where we learned about additional success stories, growth opportunities, and the challenges facing our workforce community.

This event provided a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, witness the positive changes in our communities, and understand the vital services that help individuals secure sustainable employment.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants for helping me better comprehend how our state funding is allocated, particularly regarding the EcSA and CRF funds.

Big Tech’s investments in nuclear energy, a turning point for Washington

As Washington stands at a critical juncture in shaping its energy future, adopting sensible, forward-thinking solutions cannot be overstated. We need reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound energy sources, and we must acknowledge the growing support for advanced nuclear technologies, particularly in the Tri-Cities. Unfortunately, the majority party have largely remained silent on promoting this vital technology, and it’s crucial to ensure that those outside Olympia are aware of this oversight.

Our focus must remain on transitioning to clean, innovative energy solutions while reinforcing our electric grid. Local initiatives, such as harnessing hydropower in irrigation canals and promoting advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs), are central to this mission. As a strong advocate for advanced nuclear technologies, I believe Washington should actively support and incentivize the manufacturing and development of nuclear power, especially SMRs, to achieve a cleaner and more efficient energy future.

Encouragingly, major tech companies are starting to pay attention. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have announced significant investments in nuclear power. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted that Microsoft’s emissions increased by 40% over three years ending in June 2023, while Google’s emissions rose nearly 50% over four years through December 2023. The surge in energy demand from these tech giants has prompted them to explore alternative energy sources beyond wind and solar, with SMRs emerging as one of the most efficient and cost-effective options.

Despite years of discussion around SMRs, the active involvement of these tech companies could signal the watershed moment we’ve been waiting for in our journey toward decarbonization. We must elevate the promotion of nuclear energy solutions to ensure they are embraced as a key component of our energy strategy.

This recent announcement reflects our previous efforts and the hard work of our team, bringing us closer to a significant commitment to nuclear energy.

Sen. Boehnke November Calendar

Nov. 4 | 8th Legislator Building Tour

Nov. 6 | Green Hill Site Visit

Nov. 7 | Visit Tri-Cities 55th Annual Meeting & Tradeshow

Nov. 13-15 | NCSL/NLWG meeting Baltimore, MD

Nov. 15 | Manufacturing Council – R&D Tax Policy Subcommittee

Nov. 19 | Supply Chain Caucus Tour in 8th with Port of Benton

Nov. 20 | Farm Bureau 2024 Annual Meeting Banquet & Auction

Nov. 28 | Happy Thanksgiving